ZR1 Coupe

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Review

2011
Chevrolet
Corvette Review

Perennially popular American sports car

Reviewed by Automotive on
12/22/2010

In a Nutshell

The 2011 Chevrolet Corvette, a sports car in its 58th year with a loyal fan following, features speed, excellent driving maneuverability, and smooth acceleration. Popular as a coupe or a convertible, the Corvette is equipped with its base V-8 small-block engine or a supercharged V-8 paired to either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission.

As the C6 Corvette enjoys its seventh year, only a few minor modifications are introduced in 2011, among them a couple of new trims details and some new options. Primarily, the Corvette carries forward its expanded lineup of trims, including Grand Sports, Z06, and ZR1, in addition to the base trim. While known for its affordability and value, the 2011 Chevy Corvette can easily cost twice the base trim in the upper end of the lineup with pricey options.

New for 2011

For 2011, the Chevrolet Corvette has a new wheel design and larger cross-drilled brake rotors become available on the base and Grand Sport models. The Grand Sport also offers Magnetic Ride Control as an option, which allows the paddle in the automatic to override the gear selection in "Drive." Other new options include contrasting-color headlamps and interior custom color stitching, while a USB port and input jack are added to the navigation radio.

Essentials

On the Outside

The new 2011 Corvette Z06 Carbon limited-edition model is exceptionally decked out with a raised carbon fiber hood, black carbon fiber splitter and rocker panels, black wheels, mirrors and headlamps, and a leather and suede interior with body color stitching.

From the Inside

Attempting to bring the interior up to the quality of the rest of the car, the Corvette has introduced a upgrades, such as custom color stitching option. The Z06 Carbon's interior trim also help to enhance the Corvette's inner beauty.

Driving Performance

The ZR1 Chevy Corvette does 0-to-60 mph time in 3.3 seconds and zips through an 11.2-second quarter-mile at 130.5 mph with 1.1g of lateral grip. The more modest LS3- and LS7-powered models perform well too. And now, handling is now smoother with the C6 and better balance to go with the grip.

Safety Equipment

Standard on the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette are anti-lock brakes, front and side airbags, a front passenger sensing system, and an active handling system with stability control. Magnetic Ride Control with larger cross-drilled brake rotors is optional.